What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is a global social movement that aims to improve the livelihood of the disadvantaged populations around the world. It encompasses principles such as:

  • Anti-slave, anti-child labour
  • Environmentally friendly processes
  • A respectful relationship between producers and buyers
  • A fair wage for the producers
  • A healthy working environment for producers
  • Gender equality with respects to wages and working conditions
  • The development of communities for self-sustainability

 "Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."

 Fair Trade Quick Facts

 The Fair Trade Federation and Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) have vast resources on their websites regarding fair trade. Here are some quick facts:

 -The global market for fair trade was estimated to be $2.17 billion in 2006.

 - "As per December 2005, 508 Certified Producer Organizations in 58 developing countries were Fairtrade Certified. That represents more than one million producers and five million people, including dependants, benefiting directly from Fairtrade." (quoted from: http://www.fairtrade.net/faq_links.html?&no_cache=1)

 -In 2004 in North America, fair trade transactions amounted to only $359 million.

 -Most fair trade consumers at this point are women ages 30-50 and college students.

 -Fair trade aims to give equal rights as partners in the business to disadvantaged groups such as women and ethnic minorities.

 -Fair trade takes into account factors such as concerns for people and the planet, not just profit.

 -Fair trade involves giving credit (in monetary terms) to the producers so they can live off of it and make their products, even before these are sold.

 -At least 1/4 of the profits go back to fair trade producers.